Bringing life

When General Brian Peddle calls The Salvation Army to ‘confidence in the gospel’ (1), it could also be a call to all believers in the Christian Church. Paul’s credo confirms the power of the gospel:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
Romans 1:16

However, faith works through many stages.

In the story about the woman who had been sick for twelve years (2), it is easy to see several of these stages. First, we read that ‘she heard about Jesus’. Again Paul confirms that ‘faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ’ (3). Further we learn that ‘she thought’. This is an important stage, because it means that what you hear, needs to be implemented in your life, and the woman thought: “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.”

However, if it stops there, it just remains a nice and comforting thought. Fortunately, the woman took the next step and acted on her faith, she came up behind Jesus in the crowd and touched his cloak.

She experienced immediate healing, however once again: if it had stopped there, it would only have been a healing.

Jesus knew this. That is why I think he wanted her to come out publicly. I believe that Jesus knew who had touched his clothes, but he would hear it from the woman’s lips. A very important stage of faith is to confess the faith and that which has happened. Even though trembling, the woman was also ready to take this step and she ‘told the whole truth’. 

‘Confidence in the gospel’ – means to act in accordance with it all the stages mentioned above. It is a matter of salvation; it is a matter of bringing life.

‘Manna’ for today:

The Gospel is bringing life!

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(1) A CALL TO CONFIDENCE IN THE GOSPEL: As we share the good news of the gospel, we must recognise its power for salvation and transformation. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, people can be released from everything that stops them reaching their God-given potential.
(2) Mark 5:25-34
(3) Romans 10:17

Now is the time

We are already a few days into 2019. A new year always makes me think about time. One of the Bible-passages I love to read again and again, is Jesus’ personal mission-statement, simply because His mission is my mission (1). In the statement, Jesus said:

In short, the Spirit is upon Me to proclaim that now is the time;
this is the jubilee season of the Eternal One’s grace.
Luke 4:19 (The Voice version)

Many translations say that Jesus came to proclaim ‘a year of God’s favour’ – a year of grace. However, time is neither past nor future; time is always ‘now’!

God is the great “I am” = God is the “Eternal Now”. 

Paul had discovered this, and wrote:

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:2b

For this reason, I can pray: “I am here, God, and I know that you are here too, and I know that 'now' is the accepted time of grace!”

‘Manna’ for today:

Grace is that ‘now’ is always the right moment!

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(1) It is the mission of all disciples, because as God sent Jesus into the world, Jesus is sending us into the world – See John 20:21.
* Source
NB - this reflection links in with General Brian Peddle's "Call to Mission - NOW"

A time for everything * - but when?

NORSK
This question is one of at least two questions that appear every time I read this verse:

“Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father.”
John 16:25

When Jesus says “a time is coming” – it is always hard to interpret, especially in the Gospel of John. It is all about the tension between the time of chronology, as in “a time is coming”, and the time of faith as in “already now” (1). The disciples' response in this narrative indicates that they interpreted this as concerning the time of faith = it is now Jesus speaks plainly and not figuratively (2).

This interpretation is at least in accordance with how they felt, because the next words from Jesus are very plain, but again I think that Jesus spoke about the 40 days he will regularly be visible and physically present in the period between the resurrection and the ascension – the time for reparation and confirmation of the faith and the mission.

The second question is a mystery both in the Gospel of John and in the other Gospels: Why was speaking in parables and images perceived as a distortion of truth rather than making truth more accessible? (3)

When I grew up, the Bible narratives were a natural feature in homes, schools and churches. The parables were used for the purpose of building faith, not to confuse it. The stories were explained as they were read. I think this is the reason why it is hard for me to understand that the images distort instead of enlighten. For the disciples and the people surrounding Jesus it was different. Only a few of them had grasped the faith-content in the pictures, so unless Jesus interpreted the content, as in the parable with the Sower, the parables remained mysteries until the Holy Spirit revealed the spiritual truth.

‘Manna’ for today:

The Holy Spirit … will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (4)

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(1) “Yet a time is coming and has now come” John 4:23
(2) See verse 29: “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech.”  
(3) “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that, ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’” Mark 4:11-12
(4) John 14:26
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the ime between Easter and Pentecost

Outside the 'box' - a time for everything *

NORSK
The idea of ​​throwing the net on the other side of the boat is illogical. At the same time, the event tells us that the kingdom of God is different and that disciples need to be open and think 'outside the box'.

Religion quickly becomes a 'box'. Jesus came with life and life cannot survive in a box. This can be one of the reasons why the exercise of throwing the net on the 'other side' to see results was an important lesson to learn – particularly if the number ‘153’ also added an extra ‘hint’.

In light of my recent reflections (1), this may be a signal that it is important to think outside the box if we desire to reach all nations with the gospel – there are still many unreached people around us.

I therefore take the liberty of elaborating on this thought:

When Jesus had fed 5000 people, I read that:

Right then, Jesus made his disciples get into a boat and go ahead to the other side of the lake, toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.
Mark 6:45

So they went from Galilee (on the west side of the Sea of Galilee) where they had ministered mainly to Jews. The 'other side', was the region of Decapolis, which was heavily influenced by other nations. It is interesting that they also on ‘the other side’ became witnesses to a ‘bread-miracle’. This time 4000 people were fed, and when the mission was completed, Jesus made the call for return:

he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha.
Mark 8:10

It is assumed that Dalmanutha was close to, or identical with Magdala on the north-western side of the sea. When Jesus fed the 5,000 most likely Jews, 12 baskets were filled with left overs. This indicates that there will be more than enough ‘bread of life’ for the 12 tribes of Israel. When he fed 4000 on the ‘other side’, there were seven baskets with left overs – ‘seven’ is the number of perfection, which is the sum of the number of creation = ‘four’ and the number of God = ‘three’. Which may indicate that there more than enough ‘bread of life’ for all. Perhaps the order of the two bread-miracles is not random? Because the gospel is ‘is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.’ (2). 

‘Manna’ for today:

The ‘other side’ is important if I want to reach new people with the gospel

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(1) See 'Statistics with a deeper meaning' and 'Guaranteed space'
(2) Rom 1:16
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost.  

Knowing that it is possible to ask him - a step on the journey

NORSK
The disciples showed that they had learned important lessons when they arrived in Jerusalem. They were keen to know what Jesus wanted and they were ready to serve him. The simple question confirms this assumption:

“Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”
Mark 14:12

To ask for the Lord’s will is an important part of the everyday life of a disciple. Then it is also important to listen so that I serve in the way he wants me to serve. He was ready to give them very clear directives for that which was going to be his last meal, an event we remember today:

“Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.”
Mark 14:13-15

This is yet another delightful proof that the Lord is in full control. After a few very chaotic days it's a wonderful confirmation that I will take with me into this day. Blessed Easter!

‘Manna’ for today:

Lord, what do you want me to do for you? I am ready to serve!

Detailed instructions

NORSK
The entire fifth chapter of the first letter Paul wrote to Timothy is full of detailed instructions about the internal life of the church. The details are in many ways outdated, but the spirit and the care behind the instruction form a principal of eternal value: 
As human beings we are responsible for each others' welfare in general, and in particular for those who belong to the community of believers (1).

Today, the needs for assistance Paul described, will be covered by national social security schemes in many countries. These schemes are basically founded on Christian principles of care. Even most humanists admit that these fundamental values have their origin in religious traditions. They know that statements like:

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Matt 7:12

and

‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’
Mark 12:31

Several of the instructions given in this chapter are worthy of deeper studies, but the focus of this study is what principles a mentor sees important to pass on to his mentoree. Therefore, I will chose only a few examples during the next few days.

‘Manna’ for today:

It is important to see the motive of care behind the details.

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(1) Gal 6:10

Where do you belong? – 5

The last country I will visit this year is the “pointers’ land” (1). It was part of my upbringing to hear the warning: “It is rude to point”. And I admit that it can be an uncomfortable experience to be singled out when someone is pointing at me. However, it can also be a great help and a blessing. 

I believe the apostles felt good when Jesus singled out the twelve (2). The mission they received was to preach. 

It is easy to see the similarities between preaching, pointing and appointing. John the Baptist’s mission was to “point”. Through his ministry it was his aim to prepare the way for and point to Jesus:

“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world … he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”
John 1:29-34

It is good to end a year with the reminder that I am appointed to point, and I will carry the reminder  with me into the New Year. 

I will also take this opportunity to thank you for reading this blog during the past year. The blog has been visited 150,000 times in 2016, and to receive messages that it has contributed to people returning to faith and life in Christ, is a great blessing. It means that there are more people joining the “pointers” in God's kingdom.

‘Manna’ for today:

In God’s kingdom we point to Jesus!

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(1) The most important Christmas song
(2) He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.
Mark 3:14

It is about fighting the misconceptions

NORSK
If I believe that God is holy and believe in the Trinity, it is impossible to question the holiness of Jesus. Therefore it is interesting to look at something of what we know about the man Jesus in light of the three misconceptions which are often linked with holiness:

1. Holy people are not tempted

Is a misconception because: We know that Jesus was tempted without falling (1).
Many pious people blame themselves because they experience temptations they thought they had overcome, and Satan is using this to produce the feeling of guilt and shortcoming. Jesus was tested in everything just as we are, but without sin (2). This truth gives me confidence.

2. All holy people have a peaceful temperament

Is a misconception because: Jesus could be angry – I even imagine that he could be furious (3). A sanctified temperament in one person does not need to look like a sanctified temperament in another person – what the two temperaments have in common is that they are lead by the will of God.

3. All holy people have an ascetic lifestyle

Is a misconception because: Jesus participated in the regular life, both on the ordinary and festive occasions, and he was called ‘…a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’(4) Jesus was in but not of the world. Likewise it is with his followers (5). I believe this "discovery" will be a great asset in holy living.

'Manna' for today:

The way of holiness can be hard to travel because of misconceptions.

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(1) Matt 4:1-11
(2) Hebr 4:15
(3) Re: The cleansing of the Temple e.g. Mark 11:15-19
(4) Luke 7:34 NKJV
(5) John 17:16

It is about my 'Most Holy Place'

NORSK
It is already nine days since I wrote about the line starting with the Tabernacle leading to the Temple and from there to the living temple. After having spent time to reflect on the 'other' trinity, I now return to Paul's question:

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?
1 Cor 6:19

"Yes, I know!" - Because I believe it!

A truth revealed to me by God, is something I know. It is not always possible for me to explain it, but faith gives assurance also in matters which remain mysteries. In the moment Jesus died, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom (1). I believe this was a prophetic happening which should reveal to the world that through the death of Jesus all men (not just the elected High Priest) could receive access to God in His Most Holy Place. 

Let us use the method of “logic consequence” again or may be we should use the Brengle-term: “Sanctified Sanity”? If the Temple is an image of man, I believe the same happened in my “Sanctuary”. Even there the “curtain” was torn from top to bottom on Good Friday - Because of the wonderful work of salvation, I could now give God access to my Most Holy Place. 

In the very moment I accepted Christ into my life and received the miracle of salvation, The Holy Spirit took his dwelling in my Most Holy Place. That place is my spirit – or my “heart” which is a very common image used for the human spirit in the Scriptures.

You may think it is strange that I start the tour of my Sanctuary from the centre. But I am very consciously moving from within and outwards. Jesus said that “nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him 'unclean'” (2) only that which comes from within, out of men's hearts (3) can have such an effect.

It is my firm belief that this is argument is valid when we speak about personal holiness. None of my external activities can make my inner man holy, but what comes from the centre of my Sanctuary, from my heart, is holy if it is initiated by the Holy Spirit who lives there. The question is: Do I dare to invite Him from his “dwelling-place” to influence the whole Sanctuary?


'Manna' for today:

The Spirit lives in my most holy place. 

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(1) Mark 15:38
(2) Mark 7:18 in the context of a discourse of ”clean and unclean” vv 1-23
(3) Mark 7:21